Category Archives: Leadership

I love learning from other people, and I especially like getting behind-the-scenes looks at how they do what they do. I have a folder on my computer where I’ve kept examples of people’s weekly schedules. I love asking other pastors about how they do sermon prep. It’s fascinating to ask people what their typical day […]

What’s the best way to exercise? What’s the best way to read the Bible? What’s the best way to teach your children about Jesus? What’s the best way to keep track of your diet? What’s the best way to show appreciation to the volunteers in your ministry? What’s the best way to plan your week? What’s the […]

This summer, our elders graciously gave me (and my family) ten weeks off to enjoy a sabbatical. It was a life-changing experience that I’m deeply thankful for. I’ve been back now for just under a month and continue to process all that we experienced and learned. On my first Sunday back in the pulpit, I shared […]

Do you ever feel like the urgent is crowding out the important? Like there’s so many things that have to be kept up with that you just can’t seem to get ahead? I do. Everybody does. I often talk with other pastors about how ministry is a “black hole” where there’s always more you could do. […]

Yesterday I took our staff to tour the Amazon Fulfillment Center (it’s named “Phoenix 6”). “Fulfillment Center” sounds like a place where all your dreams would come true, but it’s really just a giant warehouse where Amazon orders are processed and shipped (maybe the same thing if you like shopping online). It was amazing. The first […]

As the year ends, I’m marking the end of my first semester of seminary through the Missional Training Center. One of my assignments has been to pick a movie, and reflect on its strengths and weaknesses as a metaphor of the role and character of Jesus in the story of the Gospels. I picked Gran Torino. […]

This past Monday was a special day for our family. Next week our second daughter begins Kindergarten, so it was the perfect time for her to experience her first rite of passage. Simply defined, a rite of passage is “a ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone’s life.” For our family, I’m thinking to […]

Leaders must lead engaging discussions. Rallying people always involves conversations that elicit their feedback and encourage their participation. Whether you’re a pastor, a kids ministry teacher or a small group leader, you must lead engaging discussions. One of the most helpful tools for this is “think-pair-share.” First a story… About 11 years ago I was helping lead a college […]

For most pastors, it usually starts with the opening of a laptop. Sometimes it’s on a smartphone or tablet. Often, another pastor recommended it. With a few simple clicks, the video rolls or the sound begins. The faces and voices are familiar, but the settings change. The best sites have fresh content. New things never […]

Everyone wants success, but few consider the dangers that come with it. Wise leaders — especially those experiencing some measure of success — should be aware. This came to mind most recently on a vacation in Flagstaff when I was walking through a bookstore and came upon Wooden: A Coach’s Life by Seth Davis. The quote […]